The Black Cat, Bridgend
Friday, 14th March 2025
When you notice that there is Progressive Rock gig in your home town, attention is peaked and attendance is required. That said this particular concert’s attendance has a particular reason for me as the headline band Tribe3 have dedicated this album launch to the memory of Jez Rowden, editor and writer for The Progressive Aspect, and for me personally a very close friend whose loss is still keenly felt. I attended along with my better half Hazel and offered support to Jez’s wife Paula who was in attendance along with two of her children Chris and Heather. Also meeting fellow TPA writer Leo Trimming and his wife Bronwen.
So on a chilly Friday night we made our way to town to discover this new music venue (well new to me). The Black Cat is a moderately sized venue with reasonable views from all round. We all took up position to view proceedings to the side of the room offering a good view of the stage. The crowd was of a reasonable size as they awaited the opening act, this obviously gave us time to reflect, for me this was my first live gig for over a year, the last was a year ago to celebrate Jez’s birthday a week before his passing.
THE MIGHTY RA
Getting underway in a timely manner The Mighty Ra took to the stage. A local band, with three albums under their belt, were well greeted by the audience who were in great spirits, enhanced further by the friendly and jovial banter from the stage. The band were tight from the off performing a tight version of All Secrets Known from their eponymous debut. I admit I was not too familiar with their work but the opening song made me make a mental note to investigate further. The between songs banter from Andy Edwards was both amusing and friendly – pointing out the two members of the audience wearing Sombreros and a poncho, who he said were members of the “100%” club having attended all their gigs. If memory serves I believe he said their attire was related to the subject matter of the next song Freedom.
The playing throughout was of top quality, special note for some great bass work from Dave Rowe. There was variety within songs, Sakura having a Japanese style interlude, there was a Deep Purple vibe on another song and at one point Dave used a megaphone mid song to deliver the lyrics, which had echoes of Roger Waters (minus the political rants Waters is famous for). Ending the night with the powerful and moody Bigger Lie, a long track that holds attention throughout.
The band delivered a bright and energetic set which was very enjoyable and was reflected by the crowds response. As the set comes to a close my thoughts went to my long time gig buddy Jez and what he would have said, and I decided that it would have been similar to mine. A good start to the night.
All Secrets Known
Freedom
Gods of Reality
Sakura
Mr Disingenuous
Seven Days
Nothing Comes Too Easy
Bigger Lie
Andy Edwards – Guitar, Vocals
Rob Griffiths – Drums
Dave Rowe – Bass, Vocals plus Megaphone
Jeremy Robberechts – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
TRIBE3
After a short turn around the main act of the night Tribe3 take the stage, the band’s frontman Jonathan Kinsey announces that they will be playing an atmospheric introduction, Requiem For a Friend, a piece written for Jez. All starts well, then a slight hiccup as the drummer loses his click-track, but all dealt with quickly and with humour, with Jonathan claiming it was just a practice run and then they are off again into Requiem for a Friend, which segues into Life Amongst Strangers, and quite seamlessly I might add. After the opening song Jonathan took a moment to announce why this gig is important, for three reasons:
1. This is their first gig of the year.
2. They are here to celebrate the release of their new album, Life Amongst Strangers.
3. To pay tribute to Jez Rowden who was a champion from the start for the band, with his reviews for their eponymous first album and first gig.
Jonathan also thanked Jez’s wife Paula and family for being in attendance. These announcement were warmly received by the crowd with a nice round of applause, and Jez’s wife Paula later said it helped her understand how well thought of he was and what he meant to so many people.
The band then continued with The Downfall Of The Birdwatcher, from their debut album. The playing was tight and sound balance very good for this size venue. The Downfall Of The Birdwatcher allowed Jonathan to demonstrate his frontman skills, using props to to convey the story of a birdwatcher and utilising a pair of binoculars and also a policeman’s helmet, which added a theatrical theme to mix.
Jonathan’s voice was on top form, powerful but able to change the range and dynamic easily, enhanced by his stage persona where he continued with the use of theatricals. At one point using a small torch to highlight his face, for me reminiscent of Steve Hogarth of Marillion, but done in Jonathan’s own style. The audience were clearly enjoying the night and nice to see a younger element at a prog gig, which gives us all hope for the future of this form of music.
Throughout, each song was played with skill and enthusiasm by all members of the band, and as we approach the final song of the night, a powerful full on rocking song Fear is the Key which was the perfect way to finish off a thoroughly enjoyable night of music. The addition of a drummer in the live setting has been a good move allowing Jonathan to concentrate on his singing and stage presence, I am sure he will continue to drum in the recording settings. With guitarist Chris Jones and multi-instrumentalist the quartet delivered a stunning set…
This gig demonstrated to me why Jez championed this band from their early beginnings. He saw, as I had tonight the potential that they have to become hugely successful – with their well constructed songs, complex at times but always accessible music and a great stage show.
SETLIST
Requiem For A Friend
Life Amongst Strangers
Downfall Of The Birdwatcher
The Front Line
Falls Like Rain
Calm Before The Storm
Fear Is The Key
MUSICIANS
Steve Hughes – Bass, Keyboards, Bass Pedals
Chris Jones – Guitars
Jonathan Kinsey – Vocals, Keyboards
Greg Paulett – Drums
LINKS
Tribe3 – Website | Facebook (Group) | Bandcamp
